The Icons Series, a Presidents Cup-style event pitting 12 brand-name athletes from the U.S. vs. their counterparts from the rest of the world, will make its debut on June 30-July 1 at Liberty National Golf Club, in Jersey City, N.J.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the athletes testing their golf games in a competitive environment.
How to watch the Icons Series
The Icons Series brings together the best components from many formats of golf entertainment at Liberty National, a four-time PGA Tour and 2017 Presidents Cup venue. Captaining the teams are Fred Couples (U.S.) and Ernie Els (International). The format will be fourball and greensome (select drive alternate-shot), with Day 2 culminating in head-to-head singles matches. This is the first of several planned Icons events, with intentions for others in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
This week’s event at Liberty National is open to the public with grounds tickets that are $25 per day or $40 for a two-day pass. Spectators 17 and under will be allowed in for free with a paying ticket-holder.
Team USA
With such a diverse field of athletes, you can’t help but wonder which sports fundamentals will translate into strong golf games. Other than 23-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, who plays at a 10 handicap, the rest of the U.S. team are single-digits, highlighted by Hall of Fame Braves pitcher John Smoltz who is a +1.5. J.R. Smith, the former NBA player, just wrapped up his first year as a collegiate golfer at North Carolina A&T.
Full U.S. team: Michael Phelps (former Olympic swimmer), Michael Strahan (former NFL defensive end), Ben Roethlisberger (NFL quarterback), J.R. Smith (former NBA guard), John Smoltz (former MLB pitcher), Andrew Whitworth (former NFL tackle), Ivan Rodriguez (former MLB catcher), Reggie Bush (former NFL running back), Robbie Gould (NFL kicker), Marshall Faulk (former NFL running back), Golden Tate (former NFL receiver turned minor-league baseball player), Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback)
Team ROTW
Els’ team is at a slight disadvantage with two double-digit team members and none better than scratch. Star Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be a player to watch as the lone scratch golfer. Australian cricket star Ricky Ponting should also keep things competitive with his 2 handicap. With the world’s best athletes teeing it up as their second or third sport, it will be interesting to see which players stand up to the pressure.
Full ROTW team: Harry Kane (Premier League soccer player), Canelo Alvarez (Mexican boxer), Ash Barty (Australian tennis player), Pep Guardiola (Premier League manager), Ab De Villiers (South African cricketer), Brian Lara (former Trinidadian cricketer), Ricky Ponting (former Australian cricketer), James Milner (Premier League soccer player), George Gregan (Australian rugby player), Yuvraj Singh (former Indian cricketer).
*The two final ROTW players will be named this week.
Icons Series basics
What: Icons Series
Where: Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, N.J.
